Leaves on a stream
Practise noticing thoughts and letting them float past, instead of arguing with them.
Sit comfortably. Close your eyes if that feels okay, or rest your gaze on one spot.
You can stop at any time. If this feels uncomfortable, press Finish, open your eyes and look around the room. You can switch to grounding, or get support now.
- Picture the stream (45 sec)
Imagine sitting beside a gently flowing stream. Leaves are floating by on the surface. Picture it in whatever way works for you.
- Place each thought on a leaf (2 min)
As each thought comes, a word, an image, a worry, place it on a leaf and watch it float away. Do this with every thought, pleasant or unpleasant.
- When you get caught (1.3 min)
At some point you'll realise you've been carried off by a thought. That's normal and part of the practice. Notice it, and gently come back to the stream.
- Come back (1 min)
Let the stream fade. Notice the room around you, the sounds, your body in the chair. Open your eyes when you're ready.
Well done for taking this time
This copy of the practice works without a connection, so nothing is saved to your account. Open SteadySelf when you're back online to record how you felt.